“[Zidane] believes in me and his story has not changed during this time as we work together,” he told Novosti.

“I am learning from him day by day, which I am very pleased with, because he, as a player and as a coach, is at the very top of world football.

“[The media] always make me laugh. [They] will always deal with such stories [about me leaving Real Madrid]. I have been used to all kinds of comments since the beginning of my senior career, I have come to terms with the fact that there can always be those comments. Time will tell what is true.

“I’m ready to give the maximum and offer everything I can. I don’t even expect to play all of the games right away. However, through work and effort, I will reach my goal. I am pleased with the way the [club] have accepted me, I wish I could have scored at the start, but I am in no hurry. I know my [time] will come.

“It takes time to adjust to the club, the players, the style of play itself. I prefer to constantly contribute to my team and grow with it than to shine in a few games without me being anywhere. Each of us is different, adapting in different ways.”